FAQ
TL;DR: Swapping to a dual-MIMO 17 dBi rooftop antenna lifted download speed from 8 Mbps to 80 Mbps [Elektroda, kejk1992, post #18276523], proving that "a 5 m RG-174 lead is a silencer, not an antenna" [Elektroda, matek451, post #18243960] Choose Play/T-Mobile or an upgraded Plus BTS and keep cable ≤5 m.
Why it matters: The right antenna + operator pairing can multiply rural LTE speeds ten-fold.
Quick Facts
• Huawei B535: LTE Cat 7, 2×2 MIMO, 300 Mbps DL, 100 Mbps UL [Huawei, 2023]
• Cybertech 17 dBi MIMO 1800–2600 MHz: ≈13 dBi net gain after 5 m H155 lead [Elektroda, kejk1992, post #18275995]
• H155 loss ≈0.4 dB/m; RG-174 ≈1 dB/m at 2.6 GHz [Times Microwave, 2023]
• Play “Internet bez limitu”: 200 GB high-speed + 1 Mb/s throttle, 50 PLN/mo, B715 for 249 PLN [Elektroda, matek451, post #18247725]
• Upgraded Plus BTS (Grzebowilek) offers LTE2600+1800, 75-80 Mbps at 6 km [Elektroda, kejk1992, post #18276523]
Why does the Huawei B535 stay on LTE900 and rarely aggregate?
Plus runs only 5 MHz on LTE900, which penetrates walls best but clogs quickly. The B535’s internal antennas see strong –70 dBm LTE900 yet weak –105 dBm LTE1800 indoors, so the firmware locks to the stronger carrier and skips aggregation [Elektroda, matek451, post #18243812] Boost the 1800–2600 MHz signal with an external MIMO antenna and CA starts automatically.
At what distance do internal router antennas become inadequate?
Forum tests show that beyond 3 km through forest, internal antennas drop the 1800 MHz band completely and speeds fall below 10 Mbps [Elektroda, kejk1992, post #18243708] External gain becomes mandatory past roughly 2–3 km when obstructions exist.
Which external antenna model solved the Zamienie link?
A Cybertech dual-MIMO 17 dBi 1800–2600 MHz panel mounted on the roof raised speeds to 80 Mbps and enabled stable LTE2600+1800 aggregation at 6 km [Elektroda, kejk1992, post #18275995]
How much signal do I lose with 5 m versus 10 m coax?
Using H155 you drop ≈2 dB over 5 m and ≈4 dB over 10 m. With RG-174 the loss balloons to ≈5 dB and ≈10 dB respectively at 2.6 GHz [Times Microwave, 2023]. Anything above 6 dB can erase half the antenna’s gain.
Do cheap “15 dBi” desk antennas help?
No. The Signaflex whips measured only 3–5 dBi gain, then lost about 10 dB in their 5 m RG-174 lead, turning them into attenuators [Elektroda, matek451, post #18243960] Speeds stayed in single-digit Mbps—an edge-case failure worth avoiding.
Which operator gives the best value at this location?
Play offers 200 GB for 50 PLN/mo with a B715 router that aggregates three bands [Elektroda, matek451, post #18247725] Orange/T-Mobile show similar radio results but cost 69 PLN for the same cap [Elektroda, matek451, post #18247725] Plus now improves only where LTE2600 is newly added.
My T-Mobile starter shows only 3G—how do I enable LTE?
Call T-Mobile Customer Service and request LTE provisioning; prepaid SIMs sometimes ship without 4G access by default [Elektroda, matek451, post #18247725] The update is free and applied within minutes.
How can I check signal strength and force specific bands?
Install LTEWatch H or HManager on a PC, connect to the router’s IP, and use the “Band Lock” option. You’ll see RSRP, RSRQ and SINR for each band in real time [Elektroda, matek451, post #18243812]
How do I aim a directional LTE antenna?
- Start with the BTS azimuth from BTSearch.
- Rotate the antenna in 10° steps while watching SINR; lock the best.
- Secure the mount and weather-seal the connectors. “Small tweaks can add 5 dB” [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #18259810]
What speeds are realistic after installing the Cybertech panel?
User logs show 75–80 Mbps down and 25–30 Mbps up at 16:40, and even 80 + Mbps at 21:30 when the cell loads drop [Elektroda, kejk1992, post #18276523]
Will speeds collapse during peak hours?
Before the antenna, Plus dropped to single-digit Mbps on a congested BTS at 18:00 [Elektroda, kejk1992, post #18245817] After adding LTE2600 capacity, evening tests still held 60 + Mbps [Elektroda, matek451, post #18276038]
Can I still cancel or switch from a Plus contract signed in-store?
In-store contracts lack the 14-day remote-sale withdrawal. You may file a performance complaint; if unresolved, it can justify termination without penalty under Polish telecom law (Art. 106 PT). Always keep speed logs as evidence [UKE, 2022].
